Born in 1896 in Balagny-sur- Thérain, a small village in France, André Masson spent most of his youth in Brussels, Belgium working as a pattern maker at an embroidery atelier. Masson began his schooling in 1907 at the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts in Brussels. In 1912, he relocated to Paris, where he attended the École des Beaux-Arts. In 1914, the artist was called to military duty for the First World War, where he was severely wounded and sent back to Paris. Much of Masson’s work is influenced by this trauma; his drawings and paintings executed during the 1920s represent battle scenes, blood, death, birds and fish. The strange realities of trench warfare and the immediate contiguity of life and death are drawn upon, and his imagery suggests a confrontation of life at an abnormal level of experience. His signature style deals with violence, evident in terrifying, fragmented figures, which reflect the horrors of the Spanish Civil War and WWII, as well as his troubled psyche in the aftermath of his service in WWI.
After WWI, Masson moved to the South of France, where he met Juan Gris, André Derain, Joan Miró and André Breton. Breton championed the Surrealist Manifesto and Masson joined in the group exhibition of the first Surrealists. An iconoclast, whose abrupt stylistic transitions defy classification, Masson also explored automatism (automatic drawing), a process that sought to express the creative force of the unconscious. These automatic drawings had no preconceived subject or composition. Like a medium channeling a spirit, Masson let his pen travel rapidly across the paper without conscious control. He soon found hints of images, fragmented bodies and objects, emerging from the abstract, lacelike web of pen marks. At times, Masson elaborated on these with conscious changes or additions, but he left the traces of the rapidly drawn ink mostly intact. Masson’s oeuvre explores several techniques of painting, drawing and sculpture and displays rich, colorful abstraction as well as monochrome imagery and automatic linear representations. An early Surrealist and student of Cubism, Masson went on to inspire the New York Abstract Expressionists. Masson developed a technique of automatic painting that retained the element of chance; he dripped glue onto paper to form drawings and then covered it with sand. These ‘sand paintings’ are unquestionably his most iconic style.
When Masson emigrated to the U.S. in 1939, he strongly influenced several American painters with this technique, the most evident example being Jackson Pollack. After his time in America, he returned to Europe and while living in Spain during the mid-1930s, he became enraptured with Spanish themes—bullfights, matadors and Spanish mythology. Masson finally settled down in France (Aix-en-Provence), where he took up a late interest in impressionistic landscape, but he ultimately came to a place where he painted nearly exclusively abstract images. Masson dedicated his life as an artist to encouraging the non-rational purpose in art, to the direct transference of subconscious thought and to the primal forces of conflicts that he experienced in the trenches of World War One. Masson sought to convey in his work a deeper reality of man’s behavior, his own complex personal imagery, and his belief that painting is not a matter of developing style but a part of life itself.
Venice : The Basin of San Marco with Gondola - Original Handsigned Drawing
By André Masson
Located in Paris, IDF
André Masson The Basin of San Marco, Venice Original pastel drawing Handsigned in pencil On vellum, 53 x 37,5 cm (c. 20,8 x 14,7 inch) PROVENANCE : Collection of Roger Passeron, fr...
Oil Pastel
Le 2 Mai 1945, Surrealist Lithograph by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896–1987) Date: 1945 Lithograph, signed and numbered in pencil Edition, Epreuve d'artiste Image Size: 11.25 x 14.5 inches Size: 14 x 16.25 in. (35.56 x 41.28 cm)
Lithograph
Verona, Venice - Original Handsigned Lithograph
By André Masson
Located in Paris, IDF
André Masson Verona, Venice Original lithograph Handsigned in pencil with his monogram On Chinese paper applied on vellum, 52,5 x 37,5 cm (c. 20,6 x 14,7 inch) Excellent condition
Lithograph
Caliban, Surrealist Lithograph by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Caliban, Year: 1966, Medium: Lithograph, Size: 10 x 7.5 in. (25.4 x 19.05 cm), Printer: Mourlot, Publisher: Mourlot, Paris
Lithograph
$1,695
French Surrealist Color Etching "La Sibylle et les Astres" Signed & Numbered
By André Masson
Located in Portland, OR
A very attractive French surrealist color etching by Andre Masson (1896-1987), signed & numbered. The etching is titled in French "La Sibylle et les Astres", translated as "The Sybil...
Color Pencil, Aquatint
$200Sale Price|20% Off
1974 Andre Masson 'Le Septieme Chant' Cubism White, Red France Etching
By André Masson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Paper Size: 14.75 x 11 inches ( 37.465 x 27.94 cm ) Image Size: 11.5 x 8.25 inches ( 29.21 x 20.955 cm ) Framed: No Condition: A: Mint Additional Details: Found inside BK2922 P...
Etching
Venice in Sunset - Original Handsigned Pastel Drawing
By André Masson
Located in Paris, IDF
André Masson Venice in Sunset Original pastel drawing Handsigned in pastel with his monogram On paper, 39 x 33,5 cm (c. 15,3 x 13,1 inch) Excellent condition
Oil Pastel
Abstract Composition - Lithograph by André Masson - 1970s
By André Masson
Located in Roma, IT
Abstract Composition is an original colored lithograph realized in the half of XX century. The artwork is hand signed on the lower right margin. Numbered on the lower left. Edition...
Lithograph
Mythologies - Rare Book illustrated by André Masson - 1946
By André Masson
Located in Roma, IT
Mythologies is an original Rare Book engraved by André Masson (Balagny, Oise, 1896 - Paris, 1987) in 1946. Original Edition. Published by Editions de la Revue Fontaine, Paris. Fo...
Photogravure
L'oeuf Cosmique, Surrealist Etching by André Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
André Masson, French (1896 -1987) - L'oeuf Cosmique, Year: circa 1946, Medium: Etching, numbered in pencil, Edition: Epreuve d'Artiste, Image Size: 9.75 x 8 inches, Size: 14.5 x...
Etching
André Masson 'Judith and Holofernes' Signed & numbered lithograph 1974
By André Masson
Located in Pembroke Pines, FL
Artist: André Masson - France, 1896 – 1987 Title: "Judith and Holofernes" Year: 1974 Meduim: colour lithograph on paper Size: 21.5 x 30 inches Edition: 143/150 Signed & numbered in p...
Lithograph
Deux femmes en une, Surrealist Etching by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Deux femmes en une, Medium: Etching on wove paper, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 10/30, Image Size: 9.75 x 8 inches, Size: 14.25 x 12....
Etching
Amours Legendaires Etching, Surrealist Style, Limited Edition of 30
By André Masson
Located in Roma, IT
Image dimensions: 30x25 cm. Limited edition of 30 prints, numbered and hand signed. Excellent conditions.
Etching
Totem Etching Print, Signed Edition of 30, Abstract, Circa 1940
By André Masson
Located in Roma, IT
Image dimensions: 28x18 cm. Edition of only 30 prints, numbered and hand signed. Excellent conditions. This artwork is shipped from Italy. Under existing legislation, any artwork in...
Etching
Branch, Surrealist Lithograph by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Branch, Portfolio: Dessins Erotiques, Year: 1971, Medium: Lithograph on Arches, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 23/125, Image Size: ...
Lithograph
Limbs, Surrealist Lithograph by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Limbs, Portfolio: Dessins Erotiques, Year: 1971, Medium: Lithograph on Arches, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 23/125, Image Size: 9...
Lithograph
OPriginal lithograph by André Masson in 1962 for the XVIII Salon de Mai
By André Masson
Located in PARIS, FR
This striking original lithograph, created by André Masson in 1962 for the XVIIIe Salon de Mai, stands as a bold testament to the Surrealist master's lyrical abstraction and dreamlik...
Paper, Lithograph
Figures in Landscape
By André Masson
Located in Roma, IT
Image dimensions: 53x43 cm. Limited edition of 30 prints numbered in roman numbers and signed by the Artist. Excellent conditions.
Lithograph
Beach Scene, Surrealist Lithograph by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Beach Scene, Portfolio: Dessins Erotiques, Year: 1971, Medium: Lithograph on Arches, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 23/125, Image Si...
Lithograph
Andre Masson 80 Dessins 1922-1960 Galerie Louise Leiris, Paris
By André Masson
Located in Paonia, CO
Andre Masson 80 Dessins 1922-1960 Galerie Louise leiris 47 rue de Monceau Paris VIII 26 Octobre -26 Novembre 1960 published by Mourlot. Ori...
Lithograph
No title
By André Masson
Located in Paris, FR
Lithograph Handsigned by the artist in pencil and numbered 38/150 53.00 cm. x 75.00 cm. 20.87 in. x 29.53 in. (paper) 48.00 cm. x 63.00 cm. 18.9 in. x 24.8 in. (image) LCD3845
Lithograph
Self-Portrait I, Modern Drypoint and aquatint by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Self-Portrait I (Portrait de l'artiste I), Year: 1946, Medium: Drypoint and aquatint on BFK Rives, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 50,...
Drypoint, Aquatint
Orifice, Surrealist Lithograph by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Orifice, Portfolio: Dessins Erotiques, Year: 1971, Medium: Lithograph on Arches, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 23/125, Image Size: ...
Lithograph
Une Saison en Enfer - Rare Book illustrated by André Masson - 1961
By André Masson
Located in Roma, IT
Edition of 92 copies plus 10 Artist Proofs, including 6 original etchings numbered and signed by Hans Richter and six poems by Grytzko Mascioni. Original hard creative slipcase on gr...
Paper
Le Prince Iris, Surrealist Lithograph by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Le Prince Iris from Je Reve Portfolio, Year: 1975, Medium: Lithograph on Arches, Signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 93/125, Size: 20 in....
Lithograph
Place de la Concorde, Surrealist Lithograph by André Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
André Masson, French (1896 -1987) - Place de la Concorde, Year: 1962, Medium: Lithograph on Japon, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: VI/X, Image Size: 15.25 x 11.75 inches,...
Lithograph
Les Deux Nus, Modern Lithograph by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Les Deux Nus, Year: 1949, Medium: Lithograph on wove paper, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 20/20, Image Size: 14 x 11 inches, Size: 19 ...
Lithograph
Hills and Valleys, Surrealist Lithograph by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Hills and Valleys, Portfolio: Dessins Erotiques, Year: 1971, Medium: Lithograph on Arches, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 23/125, Im...
Lithograph
Dance, Surrealist Lithograph by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Dance, Year: 1964, Medium: Lithograph on Arches, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 23/75, Image Size: 25 x 18 inches, Size: 29.75 x 22...
Lithograph
Les Réfugiés - Rare Book illustrated by André Masson - 1942
By André Masson
Located in Roma, IT
Les Réfugiés is an original Rare Book illustrated by Frans Masereel (1889 – 1972) and written by Louis Piérard (Frameries,1886 - Paris, 1951) in 1942. Original First Edition. Published by Arthaud Editeur, Grenoble. Format: Small 8°. The dimensions and the weight are indicative. The book includes 116 pages with 9 full page reproductions of drawings. Good conditions. Frans Masereel (1889 – 1972). He was a Flemish painter and graphic artist who worked mainly in France, known especially for his woodcuts focused on political and social issues, such as war and capitalism. He completed over 40 wordless novels in his career, and among these, his greatest is generally said to be Passionate Journey. Masereel's woodcuts influenced Lynd Ward and later graphic artists such as Clifford Harper, Eric Drooker, and Otto Nückel. Masereel's woodcuts influenced Lynd Ward and later graphic artists such as George Walker, Clifford Harper, Eric Drooker, and New Yorker cartoonist Peter Arno. Masereel's woodcut series, mainly of sociocritical content and expressionistic in form, made Masereel internationally known. Among them were the wordless novels 25 Images of a Man's Passion (1918), Passionate Journey (1919), The Sun (1919), The Idea (1920), Story Without Words (1920), and Landscapes and Voices (1929). At that time Masereel also drew illustrations for famous works of world literature by Thomas Mann, Émile Zola, and Stefan Zweig.
Photogravure
Untitled II from Body and Heart, Surrealist Etching by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Untitled II from Body and Heart, Year: 1968, Medium: Etching on Arches, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 130, Image Size: 11.75 x 9.25...
Etching
$3,209
MetaMorphoses - Illustrated Book by André Masson, publisher A. Schwarz - 1975
By André Masson
Located in Roma, IT
Edition of 150 copies containing 4 original etchings signed and numbered by the artist. Copies on Velin d 'Arches. Edition: Paris, G. Fall Format: In-folio Pages: 31
Paper, Etching
Abstract Composition - Etching by Andre Masson - 1965
By André Masson
Located in Roma, IT
Abstract Composition is an original black and white etching on cardboard realized in 1965 by André Masson. Hand-signed and dated on the lower right margin. On the lower left margin...
Etching
Faune et Femme au Armure - Etching by André Masson - 1966
By André Masson
Located in Roma, IT
Image dimensions: 30x24 cm. Edition of 50 prints, numbered and hand signed by the Artist. Excellent conditions. Insurance may be requested by customers as additional service, contac...
Etching
Signed Letter by André Masson - 1950 - Surrealism
By André Masson
Located in Roma, IT
L.A.S. (Lettre Autographe Signée) Autograph Letter Signed by A. Masson to N. Jacometti. Paris, 28th March 1950. In back some autograph greetings by Marie and Dominique, Massons’s children. One page two-sided 24.1 x 16 cm. In 8°. In French. Perfect condition with usual folds of paper. Thank-you letter: “Grâce à ta gentillesse tu es à la base d’un...
Paper
Galerie Louis Leiris - Lithograph by André Masson - 1968
By André Masson
Located in Roma, IT
This is an hand signed lithograph by André Masson, with dedication. André Masson was a French artist, well-known as part of the Surrealism. He was a painter but also a sculptor and ...
Lithograph
Andromède Etching, Surrealist Style, Signed, Edition of 50, 1960s
By André Masson
Located in Roma, IT
Hand Signed. Edition of 50 prints. Original Prints. Publisher : Paris, Galerie Louis Leiris Image Dimensions : 21 x 26 cm This artwork is shipp...
Etching
Faces, Surrealist Lithograph by André Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
André Masson, French (1896 -1987) - Faces, Year: 1962, Medium: Lithograph on Rives, signed in pencil, Image Size: 11 x 8.5 inches, Size: 15 x 11 in. (38.1 x 27.94 cm), Descriptio...
Lithograph
Pompeii V, Surrealist Lithograph by André Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
André Masson, French (1896 -1987) - Pompeii V, Year: 1953, Medium: Lithograph and Chine Colle on Arches, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: Epreuve d'Artiste, Image Size: 9 ...
Lithograph
Don Giovanni (Metropolitan Opera), Modern Poster by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Don Giovanni (Metropolitan Opera), Year: circa 1977, Medium: Poster, Size: 36 in. x 24 in. (91.44 cm x 60.96 cm)
Offset
Le Philosophe au Papillon, Surrealist Lithograph by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Le Philosophe au Papillon from Je Reve Portfolio, Year: 1975, Medium: Lithograph on Arches, Signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 93/125, Si...
Lithograph
Feuilles Épaisses II, Surrealist Etching by André Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
André Masson, French (1896 -1987) - Feuilles Épaisses II, Medium: Etching on BFK Rives, numbered in pencil, Edition: 1/3, Image Size: 8.25 x 6.5 inches, Size: 9.5 x 7.75 in. (24....
Etching
Sans Titre, Original Lithograph, Modern, 1971, Signed
By André Masson
Located in OPOLE, PL
André Masson (1896 - 1987) - Sans titre Lithograph from 1971. Edition 26/70. Dimensions of work: 70 x 50 cm. Hand signed. The work is in Excellent condition.
Lithograph
No title
By André Masson
Located in Paris, FR
Lithograph, 1940 Handsigned by the artist in pencil and numbered 31/200 Certificate of authenticity LCD4451
Lithograph
Pour les Erophages, Surrealist Hand-Colored Etching by André Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
André Masson, French (1896 -1987) - Pour les Erophages, Medium: Etching, Hand-colored in color pencil, initialed and numbered in pencil, Edition: Epreuve D'artiste, Image Size: 14...
Etching
Dame au Jules, Surrealist Etching by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Dame au Jules, Year: 1968, Medium: Etching on Japon, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 6/50, Image Size: 10.5 x 8.25 inches, Size: 15 ...
Etching
Untitled from Body and Heart, Surrealist Etching by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Untitled from Body and Heart, Year: 1968, Medium: Etching on Arches, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 105/130, Image Size: 11.75 x 9.2...
Etching
Dark Yellow Composition, Surrealist Aquatint by André Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
André Masson, French (1896 -1987) - Dark Yellow Composition, Medium: Aquatint (unsigned), Image Size: 13 x 9.5 inches, Size: 15 x 11.25 in. (38.1 x 28.58 cm), Description: From t...
Aquatint
Démone, Abstract Etching and Aquatint by André Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
André Masson, French (1896 -1987) - Démone, Year: 1957, Medium: Etching and Aquatint, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 15/30, Image Size: 6 x 4.5 inches, Size: 15 x 11 in...
Etching, Aquatint
Orphée (Signed), Surrealist Etching by André Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
André Masson, French (1896 -1987) - Orphée (Signed), Year: 1972, Medium: Etching, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 1/50, Image Size: 11.75 x 9.25 inches, Size: 16.5 x 12....
Etching
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
André Masson, "Figures in Landscape, " hand signed lithograph in colors
By André Masson
Located in Chatsworth, CA
André Masson Figures in Landscape Lithograph in colors on Arches paper Hand signed in pencil, numbered 51/150
Lithograph
Assemblage de femmes, Surrealist Etching by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Assemblage de femmes, Year: 1966, Medium: Etching and Aquatint, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 24/50, Image Size: 6.75 x 7.75 inches, S...
Etching, Aquatint
French Abstract Surrealist Color Lithograph Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Surfside, FL
Published Benincasa Carmine. Edizioni SEAT, Torino, Italy. Offset directly from the original plates. Limited edition. This is not hand signed or numbered. Signature in the printing p...
Lithograph, Offset
$950
Viviane French Original Surrealist Lithograph signed and numbered Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Surfside, FL
His early works display an interest in cubism. He later became associated with surrealism, and he was one of the most enthusiastic employers of automatic drawing, making a number of ...
Lithograph
Couple by André Masson
By André Masson
Located in New York, NY
Artist: André Masson Medium: Original Lithograph, Signed & Numbered, 52/125 Dimensions: 26 x 19.3 in, 66 x 49 cm
Lithograph
Chrysalides, Surrealist Etching by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - Chrysalides, Year: Circa 1947, Medium: Etching and Aquatint on Arches, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: EA, Image Size: 10 x 14 inches, S...
Etching, Aquatint
La femme au poisson, Surrealist Etching by Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andre Masson, French (1896 - 1987) - La femme au poisson, Year: 1972, Medium: Etching, signed in pencil, Image Size: 6 x 5.5 inches, Size: 12.5 x 11 in. (31.75 x 27.94 cm), Descript...
Etching
French Abstract Surrealist Color Lithograph Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Surfside, FL
Published Benincasa Carmine. Edizioni SEAT, Torino, Italy. Offset directly from the original plates. Limited edition. This is not hand signed or numbered. Signature in the printing p...
Lithograph, Offset
French Abstract Surrealist Color Lithograph Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Surfside, FL
Published Benincasa Carmine. Edizioni SEAT, Torino, Italy. Offset directly from the original plates. Limited edition. This is not hand signed or numbered. Signature in the printing p...
Lithograph, Offset
$1,000Sale Price|28% Off
Le Fil d'Ariane (Ariadne's Clew) /// Modern Surrealism Surrelist Andre Masson
By André Masson
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: André Masson (French, 1896-1987) Title: "Le Fil d'Ariane (Ariadne's Clew)" Portfolio: For Meyer Schapiro *Signed by Masson in pencil lower right Year: 1973 Medium: Original E...
Etching, Aquatint, Intaglio